Saqlain Mushtaq to assist England against Pakistan

CHESTER LE-STREET, UK: Saqlain Mushtaq, the former Pakistan off-spinner, will help coach England during their upcoming home Test series against Pakistan.

An England team spokesman said Saturday that it was planned for Mushtaq to join the side during the second game of the four-Test series at Manchester’s Old Trafford ground in July to aid England’s spinners and help home batsmen in their playing of slow bowling.

It’s possible that Mushtaq could become England’s new full-time spin-bowling coach, although he has not yet signed an agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

But the 39-year-old Mushtaq clearly believed the paperwork would be a formality given he tweeted Saturday: “Looking forward to working with @ECB_cricket prayers and wishes required.”

Looking forward to working with @ECB_cricket prayers and wishes required.

Muhstaq took 208 wickets in 49 Tests from 1995 to 2004 and was regarded as a pioneer of the ‘doosra’ a ball bowled with a conventional off-break action that spins away rather than towards a right-handed batsman.

He also helped Surrey win several County Championship titles at the turn of the century.

England have been without a spin-bowling coach since Mushtaq Ahmed, another former Pakistan international, left his role in 2014.

Moeen Ali is England’s current frontline spinner, although he made his name as a batsman — something he emphasised with a Test-best 155 not out against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street on Saturday.

Pakistan will tour England from June 18 for four Tests, five one-day internationals and a lone Twenty20 international.